happy talk

noun

Definition of happy talknext
as in cross talk

Related Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of happy talk Anyone with happy talk about AI data centers or endless growth was going to destroy the state. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 24 Nov. 2025 There is a lot of happy talk about working together to expand the pie, but the word competition keeps bumping up against the word collaboration. — Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2025 Unmoored from reality, the pronouncements veer into happy talk. — Hussein Agha, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2025 Trump’s preference for political happy talk has already reframed conversations about his economic agenda. — Bruce Yandle, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for happy talk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happy talk
  1. cross talk
  2. exchange
  3. dialogue
  4. debate
  5. small talk
  6. yak
Noun
  • Normally, such cross talk is seen as interference, which radios are designed to suppress—especially digital radios with their error-correcting schemes and inherent resistance to low-level noise.
    — Ana I. Pérez-Neira, IEEE Spectrum, 7 Apr. 2026
  • But in recent years, investigators have uncovered chemical and electrical cross talk between neurons and cancer cells that powerfully fuel a tumor’s growth.
    — Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2025
Definition of cross talk
Noun
  • The Moon enters Gemini and your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, stirring questions around trust, money, or emotional exchange.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Venus enters Libra and your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, bringing more grace to vulnerability, emotional exchange, and private bonds.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of exchange
Noun
  • Saldaña has also spoken about the challenge of mastering Sheridan’s dialogue, previously telling PEOPLE that the role helped her confront both her dyslexia and anxiety because of the preparation required.
    — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Keep channels open, reduce barriers and normalize real, respectful dialogue and reward thoughtful dissent, not just agreement or comfortable silence.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of dialogue
Noun
  • Two of the three major GOP candidates for Minnesota governor faced off in a debate on Friday night, 11 days before the August primary.
    — Esme Murphy, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Just months after the Charlotte region’s transportation board voted to kill support for the Interstate 77 South Toll lane project, talks of community investments that could be brought forth by the controversial project has reignited the debate.
    — DJ Simmons August 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • Making small talk about boycotts of companies associated with bad causes, Maher observes that Hugo Boss supplied uniforms to the ur-villains of the 20th century.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026
  • Maybe the mood came first and the small talk followed, a symptom mistaken for a cause.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of small talk
Noun
  • Authentic experiences are the priority, at least for good-quality operators, from sampling butter tea with yak herders in China to exploring landmarks through the eyes of local guides.
    — Vicky Smith, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The on-site boutique is a (pricey) treasure trove of gorgeous silk and yak wool shirts, scarves, and home goods woven by Norhla.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Definition of yak

Browse Nearby Words

happy hunting grounds
happy talk
haps
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Happy talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy%20talk. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of invidious

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All